Heat and running water has been restored at the QEII hospital in Halifax after a water main broke overnight, according to a news release from Nova Scotia Health.
However, the health authority says people can’t drink the water. Officials have to test the water for three days before tap water can be considered drinkable.
Fire suppression is not yet restored. Nova Scotia Health says there is “enhanced fire monitoring” happening at the hospital.
On Friday, only emergency and time-sensitive surgeries will continue.
Hoses were on the ground outside the QEII infirmary on April 4, 224. (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)
Friday blood collection and ambulatory appointments will be virtual where possible.
Patients are limited to one visitor to limit the amount of people in the buildings.
A water main line broke on Wednesday and the same line broke in a different place on Thursday, according to Jennifer Lewandowski, senior media relations advisor with Nova Scotia Health.
All the buildings on the campus were left without running water for drinking or flushing toilets, including the Halifax Infirmary, Veterans Memorial Building, Abbie J. Lane and the power plant.
Emergency department
The emergency department remains open. However, Nova Scotia Health asks that patients without emergency concerns are asked to visit another emergency department or a virtual or community access point. The yourhealthns.cawebsite or the Your HealthNS app will provide options.
With files from Kelli Rickard.
A second water main break at the QEII’s Halifax Infirmary site has left the buildings without running water or heat to begin the day Thursday. Updates on service impacts will follow soon.
— Nova Scotia Health (@HealthNS) April 4, 2024
